Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Welcome Back!



          Happy New Year and welcome back to my blog! I've been on quite a hiatus lately. After the holidays, I visited my boyfriend in Albany for New Years and only a couple days later we were off to New Jersey for a film shoot. Andy directed and I was there to do hair and makeup. Those eight days were a combination of fun, boredom, frustration, meeting great new people, and above all, a huge learning experience. Once we got back to NY, we spent a day exploring in the city. Our last stop was NH, where he brought me home and spent a few days relaxing with me.


 

On New Years Eve, Andy drove me to see the Lights in the Park in Albany, NY.
Celebrating at midnight!
A wedding hairstyle I did for Andrea on the first day of shooting. 
In my little makeup corner where I chilled for a lot of the shoot.
The special effects makeup I did on Jake for one of many boxing scenes.
Working on Andrea's gunshot wound!
That's my boyfriend directing!
Spraying blood on Liam for a gruesome scene.
I helped with the set design in this scene!
At the Met with Andy!
The Egyptian exhibit was one of my favorites!
I can cross "Go to mood" off my bucket list!
I fell in love with a lion at FAO Schwartz.
Just being kids in a toy store!
He took me to see the windows at Bergdorf & Goodman.
We got dinner at an awesome sandwich shop called Num Pang.
I loved the underground, graffiti theme.
We both got really yummy fish sandwiches, mine with catfish, his with mahi-mahi. 


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Fashionable Christmas Gifts That Give Back


          Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year! Not only because of what it means to me, but also because of how long it lasts. A whole month full of baking, decorating, music, friends, family, and shopping! You get every excuse to stay in and watch movies with hot chocolate or shop all day long for the right gifts. I still write the wishlists I've made since I was a kid. In case you haven't caught on yet, I'm very much a list person! While my wishlists have more clothes and fewer toys now, I still put the same amount of effort into making them perfect.

          In the spirit of the holiday season, I decided I wanted to do something a little extra this year. Some fashion brands are willing to give back with every purchase, a concept many call One for One. Stores like Warby Parker and Toms pledge to donate one product to charity for every product purchased. I figured this is a great way to spread the joy! If friends and family will be gifting anyway, why not give a present that donates another in return? I've considered getting new glasses for a while now, so instead of just one pair for myself, I'm asking for a Warby Parker pair to give back at the same time! Not only are they stylish, but they'll be helping out someone who can't afford eye care.

          Whether you're giving or receiving, consider adding these charitable and fashionable gifts to your holiday shopping!


Out of Print - Madeline Women's Tee - $28
          "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, lived twelve little girls in two straight lines." These books were among my very favorites when I was young and I can't imagine any little girl not growing up with them. Unfortunately, there are so many impoverished communities where kids don't even have the ability to lose themselves in a good book. That's why for every shirt sold, Out of Print donates a book to an area in need, in partnership with Books for Africa.

Toms + Tabitha Simmons - Blue Cricket Stripe Women's Desert Wedges - $168
           As one of the most successful, charitable brands, Toms' mission is no secret. However, a great new collaboration with shoe designer, Tabitha Simmons, has heightened their fashion appeal this season. Inspired by her own sons, Simmons' collection also features kid's sizes to fit the smallest of trendsetters! As always, with every pair sold, another will be given to an underprivileged child in one of over 60 countries.
 

Warby Parker - Chamberlain Eyeglasses - $95
           Warby Parker has become the hottest place for eyewear. Almost every magazine editor has a pair and their Instagram account has 85k followers. Plus, they make ordering online just as breezy as in person by sending you five pairs to try on before you buy. Glasses have never been so cool! But how did they make their brand even cooler? They partner with non-profits to improve low-income eye care and donate a pair of glasses for every pair sold.

KITE - UWEZA Pencil Pack - $10
          KITE teaches us not to underestimate the power of a pencil. Pencils can be the beginning of stories, learning, creativity, and even careers. These pencils are made in the USA and with their fun patterns, they can also be an unexpected fashion statement. A statement that enables children to attend school and better their lives. For every pencil pack sold, KITE gives a pencil to a child in need, including 13 million kids in the US and over twice as many around the world. That's really something to think about the next time you jot something down!



Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Music Videos for Valentines

     In honor of Valentine's Day, I've put together a list of music videos that make me turn to mush. As much as I'd like to say that I don't believe in celebrating a "greeting card" holiday, I can't lie! The thought of taking a day to celebrate love makes me feel all warm inside...but really the best part is all the chocolate! I always manage to be single on Valentine's Day so I make it point to celebrate friendship instead. Last year, one of my friends and I had an all-girl night with a shopping trip and late-night Taco Bell run. This year I'm planning a movie date with my friend to see "The Vow," complete with plenty of Ben & Jerry's to smuggle into the theater!

     So for now I celebrate being single on Valentine's Day and hope that someday I'll have a typical, cliche-filled, cheesy date with a guy who doesn't mind putting up with my hopelessly-romantic fantasies for one night.








Sunday, January 1, 2012

Mani-festo


 
     When I think of ringing in the New Year the first thing that comes to my mind is sparkle. I didn't have any big party to attend this year, so unfortunately a sequined dress did not go on my list of recent purchases. A glittery manicure, however, was a fun way for me to add a little dazzle. Plus I'll be wearing it longer than the one night stand I would've had with the sparkly dress of my dreams. Designer inspired manicures are gaining popularity and I turned to Jen Kao's Fall 2011 nails for a new idea. I used three different colors--deep blue, multi-colored glitter, and gold polishes. I love the unique look I created and now I can't stop dreaming up possible nail designs for my next manicures! The gold tips from Yigal Azrouel, the two-tones of Jen Kao's latest collection...maybe I'll even recreate the candy stripes at Nanette Lepore's spring show.


Snow Man of My Dreams - Nicole by OPI
Gold Coin - Revlon
Saved by the Blue - Wet n Wild

 

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas Time

12-24-11

sweater - Victoria's Secret / leggings - Forever 21/ heels - Next


12-25-11

sweater dress - Victoria's Secret/ tights - Cynthia Rowley/ ankle boots - Not Rated

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Cross Everyone Off Your Christmas List


     I have over half of the people on my Christmas shopping list crossed off, but there are still a few I'm a bit stuck on. Living in Boston has definitely given me more options for finding gifts, but sometimes there can be too many. At times, I have little trouble finding what I'm looking for, but at others I feel like I'll never be able to weed out enough to find the perfect gift. One thing I've learned from this year's shopping is that return policies can be a determining factor. Some stores will let you return an item for a cash refund and others will only give you a store credit. Don't wait until the cashier is presenting your bags to find out the store's return policy!

     One mistake people often make when gift shopping is going into a store expecting the right gift to find them. A better approach is to understand the kind of person you're shopping for and to have at least two items to be on the lookout for. An open mind is necessary as well. Sometimes the gift that you stumble upon may be a better decision than what you had planned. You always want the gift you choose to embody the personality of whoever you're buying for--it's more personal than a gift that could be given to anyone. A gift card is great when you're in a rut, but unless you're buying one for a shopaholic, it doesn't say much about the person recieving it. I've put together some types of friends you may be buying for this year and a few ideas to get you started. Plus, every gift is under $50, so it will help if you're in a money jam.

The Booze Babe
This friend loves a good party but she keeps things classy. A simple gesture to her favorite pastime with a cocktail ring or recipe book is sure to be a hit.

The Cocktail Party Set by Philosophy - $18 - Sephora // Cut Out Dress with Chain Neck - $44.54 - ASOS // Little Pink Book of Cocktails by Madeline Teachett - $9.95 - Amazon // Vintage Cocktail Ring - $9.49 - Arden B 

The Health Nut
She’s all about staying fit so keep her motivation going with a present that will encourage her to stay on track, like a water bottle or yoga pants. 


Bootcut Yoga Pant - $39.50 - Victoria's Secret // Bliss FatGirlSlim Treatment Kit - $38 - Sephora // CamelBak Groove Portable Filtration Bottle - $24.99 - Bed, Bath & Beyond // Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six-Pack - $8.19 - Amazon

The Bookworm
This friend likes to cozy up with a good read. She probably has a book collection the size of Barnes & Noble so get her something to complement it, like coffee or a warm scarf.


Ribbed Slipper Sock - $9.50 - Victoria's Secret // Library Books Mug - $20 - Kate Spade // Frenchi Marled Infinity Scarf - $22 - Nordstrom // Breakfast Blend Coffee - $11.95 - Starbucks

The Stylista
She probably likes to pick out her own clothes, but there are plenty of fashion-forward things you can get her. Any fierce accessories like cheetah print shoes or a metal cuff will look great with her daring wardrobe.


Charlotte Ronson Masquerade Collection - $29 - Sephora // 6-Row Textured Cuff - $48 - Nordstrom // The Rise of Fashion and Lessons Learned at Bergdorf Goodman - $26.60 - Amazon // Suede Leopard Bootie - $24.99 - Charlotte Russe

The Travel Star
She’s been all around the world so you can guess that there’s nothing more original that what she’s accumulated. Get her a gift that will ease her next trip like a passport wallet or travel size body care set.  

100% Gift Set - $29.75 - Aveda // Cris Notti Sleep Mask - $21 - Bliss // The Travel Book - $15 - Amazon // Passport Wallet - $48 - Melissa Tan on Etsy


The Music Maven
This friend is always listening to the latest music, so it would be hard to keep up with her favorite artist. Instead of buying her an album or concert tickets, reflect her eclectic flair with neon nail polish or 45-record coasters.

Neon Nail Polish (3-pack) - $15 - American Apparel // 45 Records Coasters - $12.45 - Amazon // 2011 Ink'd Gold Earphones - $19.99 - Skullcandy // Nylon Magazine Subscription - $19.95 per yr.- Nylon

The Little Princess
You want to make the little girls in your life feel sophisticated without taking away playfulness. A trendy metallic sweater is sure to make her feel special while some cupcake flavored floss is fun and may actually encourage her to take care of her teeth!  

Cupcake Floss - $6 - Urban Outfitters // Pearl & Fabric Bow Necklace - $10.50 - Charlotte Russe // Girls Cotton-Wool Cable Gloves - $24.99 - Ralph Lauren // Metallic Sweater - $19.95 - H&M


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Christmas Wishlists

     I never grew up believing in Santa Claus, but every year I still compile a wishlist right when the Christmas season begins! Since I can remember, I've always taken my time to make an organized, pretty, and detailed list. I rate the items I want most, give all the specifics (price, size, color), and include lots of pictures. I recently began included stocking stuffer ideas and the pjs I want for my family's tradition of getting pajamas on Christmas Eve. Sure, I sort of go a little overboard, but my siblings and I have loved making these lists since the days we would sift through Toys R Us and American Girl catalogs. It's just one more thing that gets me in the mood for the holidays and a good way to exchange gift ideas with everyone else. Here are some things I'm wishing for this year...

Christmas 2011 Wishlist

tights - Kings of Leon documentary - chocolate - gift cards - Victoria's Secret sweaters -
magazines - perfume - Patriots boxers/tee set

Thursday, November 3, 2011

My Halloween Costume!

     Just wanted to show you my Halloween costume! I was a lion! I used a tutorial by From Head to Toe to do my make-up, teased my hair a bit (it's naturally pretty big so it didn't need much), wore a dress my cousin Maddie lent me, and made a tail out of an orange boa. Pretty simple and fuss-free...I was just determined to be a lion this year because I've wanted to be one since I was little. Maddie dressed up as a Christmas elf...didn't she look cute? I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween!

PS-I've been super busy and haven't been able to post lately...but keep visiting because I plan on getting better at it! haha I still have a lot of ideas for posts and once I have a little spare time I'll be able to post at least twice a week.

     Ciao for now!




Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year. New Clothes.

     I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year's Eve celebration last night! The end of a year is always a time for store markdowns, making room for new apparel, and of course, shopping with all those gift cards from Christmas. Yesterday I went shopping with my friend Danielle and we had lots of fun looking for things to add to our 2011 wardrobes. I love the adventure of buying a new piece of clothing and finding how many ways I can wear it. So with a new year on it's way, I'm looking forward to all the new possibilities, as well as wearing my old clothes in ways I've never thought of. Here's a look at 2010's outfits...















So my New Year's resolution? From now on I'll be posting everyday's outfit...starting with today's!






Jeans-Charlotte Russe-$10
T-shirt & Scarf-old
Wedge Boots-Spring-$24.49
Sweater-Victoria's Secret
Purse-vintage